Fatal Syracuse shooting that ended in car crash was a ‘melee’, attorney says

Syracuse, N.Y. — A defense attorney for a man charged in a fatal shooting last summer that ended in a car crash in Syracuse described the incident as a “melee” during a court appearance Wednesday.

Dametrius Pettiford, 20, is charged with murdering Remir Martin, 22, during a chaotic shooting in the 1400 block of Midland Avenue across from Kirk Park on June 24, 2022.

Pettiford appeared in court Wednesday afternoon with his attorney Lewis G. Spicer, who argued that Pettiford’s bail should be decreased because the “melee” on June 24 began with a fight that Martin started.

Spicer said that Martin instigated an altercation that escalated to a gunfight that summer afternoon. He said that this was not an assassination or a planned act because Martin shot first.

Assistant District Attorney Alphonse Williams said that while Martin fired the first shot, Pettiford did assassinate the 22-year-old.

Williams said that Pettiford told police that he shot Martin because he was firing first.

Williams said that Martin never shot at Pettiford and was actually driving away in his car when Pettiford shot him while hiding behind a tree.

Pettiford shot him multiple times with a 9mm handgun, according to an indictment.

Shortly after, Martin crashed his car into a nearby tree at the corner of West Borden and Midland avenues.

When police arrived they found Martin inside the wrecked car with gunshot wounds to his midsection, Syracuse police said at the time of the shooting.

Martin died at Upstate University Hospital later that day.

Pettiford was arrested in February. He is set to go to trial in December.

He is currently being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center. Onondaga County Court Judge Theodore Limpert made a minor reduction in Pettiford’s bail after hearing Spicer’s argument Wednesday. He is being held with a bail of $500,000 cash, $750,000 bond and $1.5 million partially secured bond.

The District Attorney’s Office has offered him a plea agreement of 20 years in prison, Williams confirmed in court. If convicted, Pettiford could face up to life in prison.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.